Penn Vet | News Stories

Recent grad Meghan Ramos helps people by training animals

“Go, Osa!” says Meghan Ramos, a recent graduate of Penn’s Veterinary Medicine program. Osa, a German shepherd, runs over to a wheel, carefully sniffing one of eight arms that extend from the scent wheel’s center. At the end of each arm is a blood serum that contains either malignant or benign ovarian cancer, a normal, cancer-free serum, or a distractor scent. Osa’s trained to detect blood serums that contain malignant ovarian cancer.

Meet Small Animal Surgeon Dr. Michael Mison

Dr. Michael Mison Answers Ten: Surgical Oncology, Ah Ha Moments, and Summiting Kilimanjaro

As a child, Dr. Michael Mison’s parents encouraged him to be a physician. Drawn to animals and science, Mison knew early on that he would indeed go into medicine but focus on animals instead of humans.

Dr. David Levine Answers Ten: Surgery, Disease Prevention, Gardening, and More

Assistant professor of clinical large animal surgery Dr. David Levine is a world class surgeon, clinician, and teacher. Holding Diplomate status in Large Animal Surgery from the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and in Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation from the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Levine is well-respected among his peers, clients, and students.

How to avoid food poisoning from E. coli and salmonella

Customers shopping at the supermarket lately may have felt a swell of anxiety while passing by heads of romaine lettuce or the egg case—the former, recalled due to an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak, and the latter linked to an outbreak of salmonella brandaerup infections.

Dr. Dean Richardson to Discuss Equine Anatomy, Fractures at Rescheduled First Tuesday Lecture

On Tuesday, June 19, 2018, join renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Dean Richardson as he presents “Stories About Horse Fractures,” as part of the First Tuesday Lecture Series at Penn Vet’s New Bolton Center.

Assets in the opioid epidemic, working dogs can also become its victims

It’s hard to overstate the magnitude of the nation’s opioid crisis, which claims more than 100 lives each day due to overdoses. The impact of opioids radiates beyond the direct users, however, as secondary exposure to drugs can harm first responders such as police officers, firefighters, and even working dogs, which can use their perceptive noses to find illicit drugs.

Dr. Chakrabarti's Lab at Penn Vet is studying stem cell signaling and its relationship to breast cancer.

Stem cell signaling drives mammary gland development and, possibly, breast cancer

The human body develops most tissue types during fetal development, in a mother’s uterus. Yet one only tissue develops after birth: the mammary gland. This milk-producing organ, a defining characteristic of mammals, is also the site of one of the most common cancers, breast cancer, which affects roughly one in eight women in the United States over the course of their lifetime.

Dr. Cynthia Otto awarded for her work with the human-animal bond

Dr. Cynthia Otto, founder and executive director of the Penn Vet Working Dog Center at the University of Pennsylvania, has been named the winner of the 2018 Bustad Companion Animal Veterinarian of the Year Award.

Gene doping in equines can now be tested for, thanks to Penn Vet researchers.

Veterinary experts work to stay ahead of equine doping

Elite athletes train for years to reach the top of their game. Yet some succumb to temptation, using performance-enhancing drugs to gain a slight edge over their competitors.

Angel's Long Way Home

Saturday, March 17, 2018, 6:00 AM. Earl Welsh was home getting his family ready for his teen daughter’s dance competition. Before they headed out for a long day, Welsh wanted to give Angel, their four-year-old Yorkie, some outdoor time. He and Angel headed into the quiet streets of Philadelphia for a walk. They would not come home together. Instead, Angel would end up in Emergency Services at Ryan Hospital. And Earl would face an agonizing decision about her life.

Surprise! It's Twins!

Excitement over a first pregnancy turned to concern for owner Adel Dukes Melson when her pregnant Holsteiner began showing signs of premature foaling. Weeks before the mare’s March 13 due date, her mammary gland started to develop and secrete milk, a typical indication that her body was preparing to soon give birth.

Innovative vaccine offers canine cancer patients a shot at a longer, happier life

Osteosarcoma is the most common bone cancer to affect dogs. It is a painful and aggressive disease. Affecting more than 10,000 dogs annually, predominantly larger breeds, it kills more than 85 percent within two years.

Learn to Demystify Equine Lameness at May First Tuesday Lecture

Join Penn Vet New Bolton Center’s Elizabeth Davidson, DVM, ACVS, ACVSMR, and Liz Arbittier, VMD, CVA, as they present the first in a series of educational talks called "Mythbusting the Lameness Exam: Deconstructing Common Misconceptions" as part of the First Tuesday Lecture series.

Dr. Ron Harty who studies viruses like Ebola, has won the prestigious Linback Teaching Award

Penn Vet’s Ronald N. Harty, PhD, Earns Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching

Penn Vet’s Ronald N. Harty, professor of microbiology, has earned the University of Pennsylvania’s prestigious Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching. Dr. Harty is one of eight faculty members at Penn to receive the award this spring.

How working dogs are sniffing out cancer

At Penn, collaboration is as ingrained in the culture as innovation. And, it turns out, some teams end up having quite the crew. One specific group—working to detect early stage ovarian cancer—maintains experts spanning obstetrics and gynecology, chemistry, physics, and veterinary care. It also includes human’s best furry friends: dogs.

Making a Difference on Conservation Issues

On Sunday, April 8, 2018, at the Philadelphia Environmental Film Festival, Penn Vet Dean Joan Hendricks moderated a Q&A session after a screening of Thriving with Their Feet, Valve Turners, and The Last Animals.

New telemedicine app connects veterinarians and pet owners with behavioral expertise

Whether it’s excessive barking, aggression, or chewing up a favorite pair of shoes, many dogs exhibit behaviors that are less than ideal. But with only around 75 veterinary behavior specialists scattered across the United States, not many pet owners have access to expert advice on how to manage their pets’ behavior.

A new telemedicine

Dean Hendricks Garners the Trustees’ Council of Penn Women (TCPW) Provost Award

Dean Joan Hendricks Receives Trustees Council for Penn Women-Provost’s Award

Dean Joan C. Hendricks is the recipient of the Trustees’ Council of Penn Women (TCPW) Provost Award and speaks at the Trustees’ Council of Penn Women luncheon.

Penn Vet’s Opportunity Scholarship Program Celebrates 20 Years of Student Success

Students, faculty, alumni and supporters gathered on Sunday, April 14, 2018 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine’s Opportunity Scholarship (OS) Program.

Princess Chulabhorn of Thailand visits Penn, with scientific partnerships in mind

Penn President Amy Gutmann welcomed Professor Dr. Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Mahidol of Thailand to campus on Thursday, April 5, at a meeting aimed at linking scientific resources on campus with those at Chulabhorn Royal Academy, where the princess serves as president.

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